Defending champions India were held to a 1-1 draw by hosts Egypt in their final league match on Friday and finished third in the Akhbar El-Yom fifth international hockey tournament in Cairo.

India won three matches, drew two and suffered one defeat in the seven-nation tournament to finish behind champions Poland and second-placed Pakistan.

The Indian team, comprising up-and-coming players, registered victories over Scotland, Greece and France while it was held to draws by arch-rivals Pakistan, last Saturday, and by Egypt, yesterday.

India's chances suffered a serious setback when they were drubbed 4-7 by Poland in a crucial match on Wednesday.